Newwork to start on Barras upgrade

WORK on a major redevelopment of the city’s East End is set to start at the beginning of next week.

Announced back in 2012, the Calton Barras Action Plan’s next phase is set to start on Monday with work to improve the market’s internal streets.

Resurfacing will also take place at the Mercat Cross to transform it into a gateway to the area.

This represents the start of work on a new ‘public realm’ at the Barras.

Councillor Kenny McLean, city convener for neighbourhoods, housing and public realm, said: “I’m de- lighted to say that the first phase of public realm work at the Barras will begin this Monday, with Mercat Cross being resurfaced and the streets of the Barras being improved.”

The improvements which are to start on Monday will be paid for by the Glasgow City Region Deal.

Phase two, which will see the project extended to the wider area, is scheduled to begin in the autumn.

Councillor McLean added: “This is the next stage in the regeneration of Calton and the Barras, and later work will see exciting improvements not only in the local area, but also neigh- bouring sites like Collegelands, High Street and the former Meat Market.”

These latest works come more than five years after the Calton Barras Action Plan was launched.

Most improvement works still to be completed will be part of the Barras Masterplan, which aims to create a ‘vibrant market and mixed use area’.

Since beginning in late 2012, a number of projects, including the upgrading of more than 70 shopfronts and the installation of Barrowland Park, which houses Jim Lambie’s Album Pathway, have been completed from the ‘masterplan’.

Calton Councillor Greg Hepburn said: “I am really pleased about these works as they also mark the start of a new year for the Barras.

“This is a very exciting and vibrant time for the area and this should see it continue.”

The moves forward in the plan have been welcomed by local groups.

Lorraine McLaren, chair of the Fans of Barrowland Park group, said: “Barrowland Park sits between the Barras and Mercat Cross, so we’re delighted to see the start of these works, which should benefit traders, visitors and residents.”